Gratitude, Paying It Forward and Giving Back

Zero to Pro - Photo Blog 4

I can assure you that the help you offer will always be gratefully received.  I can also promise, as I progress, to ‘pay it forward’ by extending the generosity you show to me to others.  Other than that all I can give you in return for your valued advice are some of my existing skills or alternatively my time.  One part of the email below sets out my skill set, the remainder tells you a little bit more about me and my initial ambitions.

Dear ..........  [Sent to a handful of professional photographers on 29^th February 2012]

Today I’m taking a leap of faith and writing to you in the hope that you will be able to help me achieve something many others may see as impossible – I’m aiming to go from zero to pro photographer in the space of 9 months. 

My life has changed dramatically in the last 9 months.  The end of a long term relationship marked the beginning of a new life for me - I moved house, got fit, widened my circle of friends and tried many new things.  During this time photography caught my eye, captured my imagination and caused me to consider a career change.

In the next 9 months I’d love to bring a new career in photography to life.  I intend to fix my focus on photography and, once again, radically change my life in the time it takes to create one.  I don’t expect to be fully developed as a photographer but I would like to be at the stage where I can begin to look at photography from a professional perspective.

Professional Help

You may think I need professional help...you’re right!  I’m currently looking for mentors who would be willing to help me develop photographic skills or who would be able to offer expert advice.

I would be grateful for any hints or tips you have on getting started; any information you can offer about your industry; any reading material you can recommend; any workshops or courses you approve of or the name of anyone you know who might be able to help me.  Most of all I would be grateful for work experience of any kind.

Anything for a Photo Opportunity

If you give me a shot perhaps I can help you with any jobs you may not have time for – cleaning, filing etc or maybe you can put some of my existing skills to good use.  I have a business degree from Strathclyde University, specialising in marketing.  I’m great with people and have very strong organisational skills which have allowed me to enjoy a successful career in the hospitality industry, managing bars and restaurants at home and abroad.

I’m now ready to explore my creative side and the world of photography.  The plan is to blog about the journey along the way, this would give me an opportunity to promote the services of all the kind people who have taken the time to help me.  I hope you’ll be one of them.

It would be great to hear anything you have to say or better still to see you in person.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Kind regards,

..........